Mint

Getting Into Mint Condition

By Chelsea Fisher

In its several varieties, mint has been used as a venerable folk medicine to aid digestion, relieve sore throats, treat headaches, colds, congestion – not to mention providing an near universal flavor for toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum. According to The American Cancer Society, mint is a potential help in controlling nausea after surgery. Mint may also reduce the effects of chemotherapy, though this has yet to be proved in clinical studies.

Mint is a source of nutrition as well as a natural medicine standout, providing vitamin A, C, folate, and potassium. Fresh mint makes a great addition to ice water and tea, and can be a delicious addition to fruit salads. The herb is extremely popular in Middle Eastern and Sicilian cuisine, used in both sweet and savory dishes. The Greeks add fresh mint to flavor ground lamb kebabs.

Ann’s Tips

Fresh mint should be easy to find at your local farmers’ market or grocery store. It spoils quickly so don’t be afraid to use it generously. If you have a yard or just a sunny windowsill, mint is hardy and easy to grow, though it has a tendency to spread aggressively, so keep it in a pot. If you store fresh mint in your refrigerator with the stems in water covered by a plastic bag, it should keep for about a week.